A Whole Lot Of Love

By Bob Holtzman - November 01, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- UCLA coach Ben Howland didn't seem to mind talking about freshman center Kevin Love, who is considered by many to be the top recruit in the country.

When asked what Love would do for the offense, he smiled and said, "Well there will be more post feeds for sure," and also said Love should open things up for players on the perimeter and said he's shown already he will command the double team and isn't afraid to "kick it back out."

Howland also said Love's use of his body to seal opposing post players for a rebound or when he has the ball is a skill few players develop so quickly in their game and also loved to talk about his work ethic.

"We look forward to a very good year, provided we stay healthy," Howland said.

If there was anything he seemed concerned about, health was the biggest issue. He said Lorenzo Mata has been struggling to practice with a sprained foot and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute had x-rays on his shoulder come back negative.

"Health is the one thing I can't control," Howland said, although it sounded like he hadn't given up on figuring out a way to control injuries as well.